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Williamson refocuses for Trials
June 30, 2023
Reigning national high jump champion Kimberly Williamson, with a renewed focus and new lease on the season, is prepared not only for a tough title defence but a top-eight finish at the World Athletics Championships in two months.
Williamson, who was speaking at yesterday's Jamaica Pegasus launch of the National Senior Championships (Trials) that begins next Thursday, is looking to replicate the strides she hit last year in what she called her best season ever.
The season culminated in her first World Championships final and with national record holder Lamara Distin made history with two Jamaican women competing in the final. Williamson earned bronze at last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as Distin took the title.
For Williamson this year, an eagerness and determination to replicate last year's exploits were hindrances in a season where she has struggled.
"Last year was my best season ever, and then coming into this year, the goal was always to replicate and do better. I felt like I put a lot of pressure on myself with that mindset, and that really affected my performances, starting out this season," Williamson told STAR Sports.
"So I took a step back and reset mentally, regained my focus and what the goal is. So right now, I am in a much better place and looking forward to what the rest of the season brings."
Williamson has not met the World Championships qualifying 1.97 metres mark so far this season, with her best effort being 1.85 two weeks ago at the JAAA Budapest Quest meet. However, she says with the help of a sports psychologist, she has refocused and is seeing the results in training.
"It has been a roller-coaster year with me not competing at my best. I have a sports psychologist that I meet with every week, and in those sessions alone, I am able to get my mind right and refocused. The last couple of weeks, even in training, my jumps are better," Williamson said.
Williamson stated that the added help reinvigorated her drive, something she says will be beneficial as she prepares to compete next week at Trials.
"Everything is just falling back into place and reminded me of what I have and the potential to excel in the sport," Williamson said.
